MELBOURNE (AFP) – Melbourne Victory were Wednesday slapped with a Aus$50,000 (US$36,000) fine and a suspended three-point penalty after fans let off flares during a game as Australian football authorities struggle to get on top of unruly behaviour.
It is the second A-League scandal in recent weeks with Western Sydney Wanderers handed the same punishment by Football Federation Australia this month for the same offence.
“The behaviour of a number of Melbourne Victory supporters last Saturday night was deplorable and cast a shadow over what was a fabulous game of A-League football,” said FFA chief executive David Gallop.
“It s staggering that these dangerous incidents happened just days after FFA had applied sanctions to the Western Sydney Wanderers because of the actions of some fans. The focus on fan behaviour could not have been more acute.”
The suspended three-point penalty will come into force if any other serious incidents occur in or around any matches the club plays over the next 12 months. The FFA did not specify what was regarded as a serious incident.
As well as lighting flares, Victory fans hurled missiles at a Melbourne City player and police and allegedly assaulted journalists outside the ground.
“If there is any bright note in this situation, it is the refreshing attitude shown by both clubs through their CEOs, coaches and players,” added Gallop.
“They are saying enough is enough . As leaders and ambassadors of their clubs, they want to be part of the solution.”
Victory chief executive Ian Robson said those involved were not fans of the club.
“They are not welcome and we do not want them involved,” he said.
In an open letter to the “football family” this week, Gallop said the FFA would do everything it could to rid the sport of hooliganism, with its good name tarnished “by a few idiots”.
“Though small in number, their actions have cast a huge shadow over the game,” he said.
“What we are dealing with is not a cultural problem, but anti-social elements that use football as a platform for their idiotic behaviour.”FFA will do whatever is necessary, no matter the short-term pain, to protect the good name of football and all those who participate in our great sport.”
The FFA faces another test of its resolve on Saturday when Western Sydney Wanderers play Sydney FC in a hotly-anticipated derby between two teams with a bitter rivalry.
Security will reportedly be ramped up for the game.”The focus could not be more on these issues now. We are hoping everyone recognises that, and recognises the damage that could be done if we don t have a well-behaved fan group on Saturday night,” Gallop told reporters earlier this week.
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